Hello all. I am a 60-year-old male who has had a mild form of colitis for about 20 years now. For 2 years, I have been on Remicade which has helped but not totally brought me into remission. I work in an office environment and have lived a full active life with travel and activities, mainly running, tennis, and I love riding my motorcycle up north on country roads. Except for this condition, I am relatively healthy and fit. During a recent colonoscopy and subsequent biopsy of samples taken, my doctor told me that there was a change in the cells in the affected area that could lead to cancer. There is no cancer yet, but he is recommending that I have my colon removed to eliminate any risk. I went for a second opinion, and the doctor basically said the same thing and went over the results of the colonoscopy in detail. I am going for a third opinion on October 6 at a clinic that is world-renowned for colorectal surgery and treatment. I want to defer this surgery for as long as possible over fears that it will force me into retirement due to the lifestyle changes that I will need to make. There is no backup to what I do, and being off work for extended periods is just not an option. I can do certain work from home, but there are limits to that. The doctor tells me it will be only a 3-week absence before I can go back, but I tend not to believe this. Who knows what sort of complications can arise. I would really like to hear about the experiences of others on how they dealt with their surgery and the aftermath. Thanks.
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Are you a caregiver for a child with an ostomy? In the summer months, this can become more challenging, thanks to heat, humidity, water activities, and travel plans.
Learn more about caring for children with an ostomy on vacation.
Learn more about caring for children with an ostomy on vacation.